24h Le Mans
The opening round of the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship season – initially set for Portimão, Portugal in early April – has been delayed until June. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit will now host the Prologue as well as the first race of the year.
The decision to adjust the FIA WEC Season 9 calendar was made in response to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel restrictions between countries. Travel to and from Portugal is currently quite difficult. The organisers hope pushing the 8 Hours of Portimão back a few months will increase the chance that fans will be able to attend the race in person.
The official pre-season test, known as the Prologue, will now be held in Belgium on 26-27 April just prior to the Total 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on 1 May. The 8 Hours of Portimão has been moved to 12-13 June, the initial dates of the 89th 24 Hours of Le Mans, now delayed until 21-22 August.
All changes to the 2021 FIA WEC calendar have been made with the approval of the organisers, the ACO and the FIA.
The schedule for last two rounds of Season 9 of the FIA WEC, at Fuji (Japan) and Bahrain, remain the same.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: "Due to the ongoing pandemic situation, we have to be extremely flexible in our decision-making. We are continually adapting to government decisions, especially restrictions on travel between different countries. Following discussions with WEC competitors, we have no choice but to delay the start of the season. We have, however, managed to keep all the rounds on the calendar which is our number one priority. We now look forward to the opening race at Spa in May and seeing the Hypercars do battle on track for the first time."
Richard Mille, President of the FIA Endurance Commission: "In the reality affected by the global health crisis, all sporting calendars have to be considered fluid and nothing is set in stone. Having said that, I’m full of praise for the efforts of the promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship for their flexibility and reactive approach. Delaying the start of the season should be beneficial for everyone involved, from the competitors to the fans."
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA WEC: "I would like to thank our teams, suppliers, partners, the FIA, the Portimão and Spa-Francorchamps circuit organisers, the LMEM team and many others for their cooperation in what continues to be a difficult time for everyone. The new date for Portimão will give us a better chance of allowing fans to attend and we are certain that the change in schedule is more favourable for all concerned."
The updated 2021 FIA WEC calendar is as follows:
